Will.i.am launches 3D printer that uses old Coke bottles

Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am has unveiled a new 3D printer that reuses old plastic bottles to make new objects.

The Ekocycle Cube 3D printer was announced by manufacturer 3D Systems and is being made partnership with Will.i.am and Coca Cola .

3D Systems appointed Will-.i.am as its creative director. The partnership of the three is aiming to promote sustainability, which they said would be achieved with “aspirational yet attainable lifestyle products”.

“This machine prints in post consumer plastic,” said will.i.am. “That means taking this waste, and not wasting it and turning your ideas into beautiful objects printed in this 3D printer.”

He added that the aim of Ekocycle is to “partner with the most influential brands around the world and use technology, art, style and inspiration to change an entire culture. We will make it cool to recycle, and we will make it cool to make products using recycled materials. This is the beginning of a more sustainable 3D-printed lifestyle. Waste is only waste if we waste it.”

A quarter of the filament used (filament is the 3D printer version of a printer cartridge) is from used and recycled PET plastic bottles. Each Ekocycle cartridge will consists of three used Coca Cola bottles.

Cartridges will be available in red, black, white and “natural” colours, and the device will print in 70-micron high resolution, producing objects up to 216 cubed inches in size. It also features auto-levelling and has a coloured touchscreen user interface built in.

Ekocycle Cube printers are expected to be available to buy during the second half of 2014. It will go on sale for around $1,199 (£705). More info can be found at the 3D Systems website.